WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) — The U.S. adult obesity rate has dropped to 37.0% in 2025, down from a record high of 39.9% in 2022, according to new data from the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index. The decline represents roughly 7.6 million fewer obese adults nationwide.
However, the percentage of Americans diagnosed with diabetes has climbed to an all-time high of 13.8%, continuing a long-term upward trend. Gallup’s obesity figures are based on self-reported height and weight, while diabetes rates reflect doctor-confirmed diagnoses of either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Weight-Loss Drug Use Has More Than Doubled
Gallup’s findings show a sharp rise in the use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, since early 2024. About 12.4% of adults now report using these injectable medications for weight loss — more than double the 5.8% recorded in February 2024.
Women continue to use the medications at higher rates (15.2%) than men (9.7%), and both groups have more than doubled their usage over the past year. Awareness of the drugs has also increased, from 80% to 89% of U.S. adults.
Obesity has declined slightly faster among women than men. Since 2022, the obesity rate among women has fallen 3.5 percentage points to 38.8%, while the rate for men has dropped 2.3 points to 35.2%.
Biggest Improvements Seen in Middle-Age Adults
The largest declines in obesity were reported among adults ages 40 to 64, who are also the most frequent users of GLP-1 drugs.
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Adults 40–49 saw obesity drop 4.3 points to 43.3%, with 16.2% using injectables.
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Adults 50–64 saw a 5-point drop to 42.8%, with 17.0% using the medications.
Rates among younger adults and seniors remain mostly unchanged. Seniors, though showing one of the highest usage increases (up 6.5 points since early 2024), have not experienced significant weight loss, possibly due to lower drug effectiveness in older age groups.
Obesity Decline Marks a Shift After Pandemic Surge
Obesity rates in the U.S. had risen more than 14 percentage points between 2008 and 2022, with major increases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the recent decline is a positive sign, rates remain high compared with other developed nations.
Experts suggest expanded access to GLP-1 treatments could help sustain the trend. Currently, 13 states cover these drugs under Medicaid, and more states are considering similar measures.
Still, the surge in use has not reduced diabetes rates, which remain high because the disease is lifelong. Health researchers note that medication alone won’t ensure lasting progress — long-term improvement will also depend on healthier diets, more physical activity, and early prevention efforts.
